Incontinence pads are available for canines also and are recommended if your dog is diagnosed with urinary incontinence. Incontinence may be due to a weakening of the urinary bladder or a medical problem that affects the bladder. The problem may be controlled through medication in some cases, but sometimes, the incontinence is irreversible.
Dog Urinary Incontinence
Dogs collect the urine in their bladder and this is eliminated through the urethra. The urine can be held for up to 8 hours, but some dogs will not have full control over their bladder and accidents can happen.
If your dog releases urine involuntarily, this may be due to several factors such as:
- Old age, as with aging, the muscles of the bladder can weaken
- Frequent urinary infections
- Bladder infections
- Hormonal imbalance
- A tumor located on the bladder or near this organ
Neutered dogs are more prone to urinary insentience.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
The treatment for urinary incontinence will depend on the main cause. If the dog is affected by a urinary of bladder infection, this can be treated with a cure of antibiotics.
If the dog has a hormonal imbalance, hormonal therapy will be prescribed. In these cases, the urinary incontinence is reversible.
However, if the dog is older or neutered, there are fewer treatment options and the condition is most likely irreversible.
Incontinence Products for Canines
The incontinence products for canines have been developed for pets that have temporary or permanent incontinence problems:
- Diapers, which can be worn during the day and night and will prevent any leakage of urine in the house
- Incontinence pads, which are small absorbent mats that can be placed in the house and outside
- Dog beds, which will keep the dog dry during the time when urine is most likely eliminated unconsciously
These options will be recommended according to the condition of the dog and whether he can be trained to use pads or he needs diapers.
Incontinence Pads for Dogs
The incontinence pads are recommended for dogs that can be trained to use these. If the dog cannot be trained, diapers are a more recommended option.
The pads will have an absorbent surface that will keep the moisture. The dog will have to get used to urinate using these pads. The training may take a few weeks and you will have to make your dog understand that the pad is to be used when he needs to eliminate urine.
The pads may be placed in several locations around the house, so that your dog will be more likely to use these. Make sure all of the incontinence pads you use have the same scent and color, so that the dog recognizes these.
You can opt for biodegradable pads or pads that will neutralize the urine smell, so that your home will not have an unpleasant odor.
Washable incontinence pads are also available and this can be a greener solution.